A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.

A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.

If you're not a liberal at twenty you have no heart, if you're not a conservative at forty you have read more

If you're not a liberal at twenty you have no heart, if you're not a conservative at forty you have no brain.

Politics is a pendulum whose swings between anarchy and tyranny are fueled by perpetually rejuvenated illusions.

Politics is a pendulum whose swings between anarchy and tyranny are fueled by perpetually rejuvenated illusions.

Politics is the art of postponing decisions until they are no longer relevant.

Politics is the art of postponing decisions until they are no longer relevant.

You've got to be (an) optimist to be a Democrat, and you've got to be a humorist to stay one

You've got to be (an) optimist to be a Democrat, and you've got to be a humorist to stay one

Man is by nature a civic animal.

Man is by nature a civic animal.

Politics is almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous. In war you can only be killed once, but read more

Politics is almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous. In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times.

There is no sea more dangerous than the ocean of practical politics none in which there is more need of read more

There is no sea more dangerous than the ocean of practical politics none in which there is more need of good pilotage and of a single, unfaltering purpose when the waves rise high.

Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That read more

Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.